The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner. This class may not have the star power at the quarterback position. But there are other players at different positions that are worth taking a look at. One of these is Alabama’s Ty Simpson.
With Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza the clear-cut favorite to be the potential first overall selection, many are also looking at Simpson. He is one of the more popular passers in the draft, but he comes with much controversy.
Why is Ty Simpson considered a mixed prospect?
Ty Simpson Is the Most Controversial Player in the Draft
Tale of Two 2025 Seasons
In the first nine games of the 2025 NCAA season, Simpson played lights out. He would dismantle his opponents with high accuracy and processing speed. Teams like Georgia and Tennessee would falter against his 66.8% completion percentage.
But during the second half of the season, he was a different player. The defense gathered film and was able to adjust to what Simpson was doing. His performances dipped as many questions about his decision-making came to light.
Many NFL scouts also wonder if he could handle the punishment of a full season. Injuries such as fractured ribs sustained against Indiana raised concerns among many critics.
Ty Simpson’s Physicality and Mechanics
Secondly, Ty Simpson has been praised for his fantastic accuracy and great footwork. The son of a former coach, he has a high football IQ. He has the terrific ability to work through progressions and a fast pace.
While considered the most pro-ready processor in the draft, Simpson is undersized. Standing at 6 ‘1 and 205 pounds, he lacks the full body of a quarterback. Because of this, he often has to step into every deep throw to get enough speed. This has led to many questions about whether he can be a franchise starter or a high-quality backup.
Some issues with his mechanics include an over-the-top delivery. This helps his accuracy from a clean pocket. But it makes it harder for him to throw passes to receivers on short routes. His statistics also take a dip when the pocket breaks down. He was ranked outside the top 60 quarterbacks nationally in performance under pressure in 2025.
Questions on Experience
Despite his success, Ty Simpson has only 15 career college starts. This signals that he is potentially raw. He famously turned down a $6.5 million NIL deal to transfer to Miami. He was even advised by former coach Nick Saban to join the NFL draft.
This could be a potential danger, signaling that he is not ready to play at the elite level he is known for. He is widely considered the QB2 of this class. Some mock drafts have Simpson in the top ten. Others have him ranked as low as the third round.
Reflection
Teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets are all needing a quarterback. These franchises also have one thing in common. They are all starting ‘bridge quarterbacks in 2026. One of these teams is looking to build a future. It all starts with the quarterback.
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